Overview
Millions of women in the U.S. suffer from binge eating disorder, a condition
characterized by discrete consumption of excessive amounts of food in a
short time period. Serious health problems may result in severe medical
complications such as heart disease, etc.
It can also point to underlying emotional issues, such as depression.
Finding ways to cope with binge eating disorder can help women lead
happier, healthier lives.

What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder
characterized by the consumption of vast amounts of
food in short time periods. It affects both women and
men, but women are more likely to develop the
disorder. Binges occur on a regular basis and are
often a source of great shame to women suffering
from this condition. A diagnosis of binge eating
disorder involves all of the following:
▪ Eating binges that last two hours or less involving
more food than the average person would eat.
Sufferers feel a loss of control during the binge.
▪ Binges occur twice a week for six months.
▪ Binges are not associated with anorexia or bulimia.
▪ The person feels worried about the condition.

Other Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
• The person suffering from the disorder feels negative feelings
after a binge.
• The person eats unusually large amounts during the binge.
• The person eats much faster during binges.
• The person eats until he or she becomes uncomfortable.
• The person eats when depressed or bored.
• The person eats even when not hungry.
• The person eats alone to keep others from finding out how much
food he or she is eating.

Risk Factors For Binge Eating
The cause of binge eating disorder is
undetermined, but certain factors can
put you at risk, such as:
▪

Eating regularly scheduled
meals.
Having a trusted person to
discuss urges to binge with
should the need arise.
Plans to avoid potential
triggers of binge eating.

More Coping Strategies
▪

▪

▪

▪

Exercise regularly, but not obsessively.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Write your feelings in a journal.
Have realistic health and diet goals.
Binge eating often occurs in the midst of
a highly restrictive diet. Setting a slower
pace for weight loss may help you avoid
binging.

Why It’s Important
Binge eating can have a variety of
negative health consequences or
impact the person’s negatively,
including:
Obesity
Increased risk of heart disease
Increase risk of diabetes
Increased risk of high blood
pressure
▪

▪

▪

▪

Finding Help
For women suffering from binge eating
disorder, help from trained medical and
psychiatric professionals can help them
overcome the disorder. There are a variety
of ways to treat the disorder, including:
▪

Mirasol Recovery Centers, a Tucson, AZ eating disorder treatment
organization, works to help people struggling with anorexia, bulimia
and other eating disorders overcome their challenges and live better
lives. We use a comprehensive approach, combining medical,
alternative treatment methods to guide our clients to a healthier
outlook on eating and life.

Binge eating disorder: Coping Strategies for Women

http://www.mirasol.net/eating-disorders/bingeeating.php Whether a person has binge eating disorder or is a compulsive overeater, emotional pain associated with these conditions is no different. Nor are the medical complications. This will help you with some coping methods and live a happier life.